New Party Drug ‘Molly’ Gains Popularity In Chicago

Molly, the powder or crystalline form of MDMA -- the chemical in ecstasy -- is gaining popularity as a party drug. (Credit: CBS)

CHICAGO (CBS) — It’s an old drug with a new name and it’s turned lethal.

Molly, or MDMA, is believed to have lead to the deaths of two young people in New York over the weekend. Federal authorities said it’s also gaining popularity in the Chicago area,

New Party Drug 'Molly' Gains Popularity In Chicago

“Molly is a derivative from MDMA, or the old date rape drug, primarily from the 90’s. At that time, it was cut with a number of other drugs and caused what felt like a severe hangover. The resurgence of Molly is a much more pure form of MDMA and it’s really gained a foothold in the younger crowd based off the electrical tech music,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Jack Riley.

Riley says they are seeing an uptick of the recreational drug in Chicago and the Midwest.

“I’m responsible for five states and I don’t think one of our offices doesn’t have an open investigation. We see quite a bit of it coming from Canada and the Netherlands.”

Reports of MDMA related ER visits have doubled since 2004. Riley blames its resurgence in part on musicians who’ve promoted Molly in their lyrics.

“This upsets me because it sends a message to kids that its a recreational drug and it’s not.”
Molly is a combination of a stimulant and a psychedelic drug. Riley says there is really no safe way to use it.

“We’re trying to attack the route of transfer. Unfortunately it’s really cheap and the people who use it really don’t have an understanding of what it does to you. Most importantly how it will react to other substances to other things you have in your body.”

“It clearly raises your heart rate, it gives you a euphoric feeling but at the same time, if you take too much, your organs can shut down and be deadly,” said Riley.

Contrary to popular belief, there is no safe or responsible way to use Molly.

“This is clearly taking a drug that was under control, and re-marketing it, and re-branding to a new user base. Kids really need to wake up and pay attention to what they are putting into their bodies,” Riley said. “Nobody really knows what is really in this and what’s purported to be Molly may be something else. You never know what you are ingesting. It’s a time bomb and people are playing Russian Roulette with their lives.”

Riley is urging parents to have a serious discussion with their teens about the dangers of this drug.